Acid reflux occurs when stomach acid or bile flows backs up into your esophagus. Gastroesophageal reflux disease is a digestive disease involving chronic acid reflux. Symptoms of GERD may include heartburn, chest discomfort and bitter-tasting fluid flowing up into the mouth. A diet for GERD is designed to prevent or reduce acid reflux. According to the American College of Gastroenterology, GERD is a common condition with symptoms experienced at least once a month by more than 60 million Americans.
Foods
Most foods can be well-tolerated on a GERD diet with the exception of some foods that may trigger symptoms of acid reflux. Avoid heavy cream soups, instead choose soups that have a fat-free or low-fat base. Choose low-fat or lean meats, chicken, fish and turkey without the skin. Choose skim or low-fat milk and low-fat or fat-free yogurt and other milk products. Choose whole fruits and vegetables, with the exception of tomatoes and onions. Most fruits, with the exception of citrus fruits, are acceptable including apples, berries, melons, bananas, peaches and pears. Most grain products are acceptable as long as they are made with low-fat contents.
Fats
Oils that are not of animal or vegetable origin are acceptable for cooking. Sweets & desserts made with nonfat or low-fat products are acceptable. This includes items that have 3 g or less of fat per serving. Sweets made with chocolate or mint flavorings may aggravate symptoms of GERD so stick with alternative flavorings.
Beverages
Decaffeinated, non-mint herbal tea and juices, with the exception of citrus juice, decaffeinated soft drinks or any other decaffeinated beverage, with the exception of coffee and water are generally recommended as alcohol and caffeine may make heartburn or GERD symptoms worse.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Heartburn, Gastroesophageal Reflux, and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
- MayoClinic.com: GERD
- Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology: Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease Diet
- American College of Gastroenterology: Heartburn or Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
